The most extreme settlements on Earth – you won't believe people still live there

8/7/2019

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Geography Story: The most extreme settlements on Earth – you won't believe people still live there

Some people live in harsh conditions for their entire lives – and they not only get used to it, but also learn to enjoy it. Let's take a look at the most unbelievable places where people live.

#1 Tristan da Cunha

It's the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world. Located 1,511 miles (2,432 km) off the coast of Cape Town in South Africa, 1,343 miles (2,161 km) from Saint Helena and 2,166 miles (3,486 km) off the coast from the Falkland Islands, the archipelago has a population of approximately 300 people.

The capital and the largest settlement of the archipelago is Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. There is only one school with five classrooms. The only way to reach Tristan da Cunha is by boat – there are no airstrips on the main island. The fastest way to get there is to take a six-day boat trip from South Africa.

#2 Coober Pedy, Australia

Most residents of this city prefer to live in caves (also known as dugouts). During the summer months, temperatures here often exceed 104 °F (40 °C), and underground houses don't need air conditioning – it's always comfortable inside.

But why don't people simply leave this place? The thing is that one of the most expensive opals on the planet are extracted in Coober Pedy, and most residents of the town work in this flourishing industry.

#3 Kandovan, Iran

This ancient village was established more than 700 years ago. The hollowed out conic houses remain uncorrupted since then.

Some residents of the village still live in these 7-century-old houses. They even have electricity and internet connection!

#4 La Rinconada, Peru

At 16,700 ft (5,100 m) above sea level, this town in the Peruvian Andes is the highest permanent settlement in the world. It's located near a gold mine, so the residents are not going to leave – the population only increases. Still, it's quite hard to understand these people. The weather here is freezing throughout the year. There is no plumbing. The village is isolated from the rest of the world, as the roads are only rarely accessible.

#5 Alert, Canada

This Canadian settlement is the northernmost permanently inhabited place in the world. Alert is a mere 508 miles (817 km) away from the North Pole. Around 60 people live here, and all of them are scientists, researchers, or servicemen.

People who have to spend most of their time in Alert install these road signs which remind them of their home towns.

#6 Oymyakon, Sakha Republic, Russia

Oymyakon is one of the coldest permanently inhabited settlements on Earth. The ground is permanently frozen. In 1933, a temperature of −89.9 °F (−67.7 °C) was recorded here, which became the coldest officially recorded temperature in the Northern Hemisphere. Anyway, summers can be hot here: in 2010, Oymyakon recorded a record high temperature of 94 °F (34.6 °C ), yielding a temperature range of 184.1 °F (102.3 °C).

What do you think about living in such extreme conditions? Would you add any other places to this list?

Tell us in the comments!

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30 Comments

Richard

I visited Coober Pedy (encumbered with my backpack and a good 30 pounds of Nikon gear) There was a hotel and a pub all underground and I met with a few of the locals. They were very accommodating and insisted that I stay the night with them. I was served a delicious supper but breakfast was toast and vegemite (very much an acquired taste!) and I forced it down with a smile on my face! The next day I was fortunate enough to hitch a ride with some folks who were heading to Adelaide! I would love to visit again and see some of the incredible opals that they quarried. It’s a hard life but I never heard a word of complaint except about the fly’s which were absolutely everywhere. I hope to go back to Australia again some day but I will stick to the east coast, the desert is just too hot!!

Nural Kuyucak

I worked at the gold mıne near La Rınconada. It was very difficult to breathe, move, eat because of high altitude for me as locals played soccer.

Joyclin Coates

The way we are going there will be more and more marginaized places to live. The climate extremes will destroy and undermine our agriculture and much more.

Vibeke Streeval

I’ve always been fascinated by Tristan da Cuna. It’s a difficult place to live and very difficult to move to. The people living there are not open to new people. Many of those who had to go to England years ago did not go back.

mensamule

I used to live in Barrow, AK and lived it.

Donna Garza

I’m so spoiled living in the Bay Area, I couldn’t imagine living in these conditions.

Tina Watson

I’d like to give them all a go, but just for a short visit to each.

Rene Colmenares

I love my water bed! You live only once.

Cindy Ursan

Fascinating!!! But I’ll stay right where I am!

theotishaynes

I think that I might be able to adapt in some of these places. I like the cold weather and at a lot of times do not like to be bothered.

Keith Williams

Went to Coober Pedy,the locals at the pub were not that cordial, probably protective of their opal mines(holes in the ground)

Anne L. Dearing

Fascinating reading! Thank you for sharing.

Cheryl Draper

Thanks for the offer but no thanks, I wouldn't like to live in any of them. I have been to Coober Pedy and it is hot in winter, and very hot in summer, but sleeping underground is fun for a holiday but not permanently.